Diagnostic Considerations and Differential Diagnoses of Food Allergy

Diagnostic Considerations and Differential Diagnoses of Food Allergy

Food allergies are immunologically mediated adverse reactions to foods. Any food protein can trigger an allergic response, and allergic reactions to a large number of foods have been documented; however, only a small group of foods account for most of these reactions. Eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat are the foods most often implicated.

Diagnostic Considerations

Recognize the early signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms are the most common clinical manifestations of food allergy. Conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis of food allergies include the following